Supporting our NHS workers in the toughest of times

The NHS is facing its biggest challenge ever as staff deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporter Aruna has found a creative way of showing her appreciation whilst social distancing, and has raised over £1,400!

In these unprecedented times, where working from home has become the norm, one Barts Charity supporter has still managed to find a way to say thank you to our NHS carers and raise money doing it.

Aruna was in isolation for the sixth day in a row, unable to leave her home due to the risk of passing COVID-19 to her mum, who is within the high-risk category for the virus. She wanted to keep her friends’ spirits high whilst supporting those working tirelessly to provide the best care possible under extreme pressure. That’s when she made the decision to shave her head to raise funds for Barts Charity.

Aruna, who works in recruitment, says: “I was sitting at home bored and I wanted to do something to make people laugh, but also to help NHS workers at the same time. So I came up with the idea of shaving my head!”

Aruna’s sister, Rihanna did the honours using dog clippers and Aruna broadcast the event live for her followers on Instagram.

Aruna’s fundraising has been incredibly successful so far, raising over £1,000 in the first 48 hours, by letting all of her friends and colleagues know.

She’s achieved this through word of mouth and social media, including posting a message on the ‘Next Door’ app, to encourage her local community to donate.

Thank you Aruna!

If you have been inspired to fundraise for our NHS, please contact us or set up a fundraising page here.

Barts Charity have committed £250,000 to help staff at Barts Health NHS Trust deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Please support our emergency appeal.